Most think of film as art form and much is made about those who dazzle at its highest levels, but science has always been a key component to cinema. A group who worked on "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," received early Oscar awards -- for science -- Sunday night. Those who perform such technical innovation rarely get even a sniff of the spotlight but Simon Clutterbuck, Richard Dorling and James Jacobs were recognized for their work bringing Gollum to life, especially for his skin and movement.

The new tech makes Gollum appear more lifelike in an approach the team calls "Tissue: A Physically-Based Character Simulation Framework."

"The framework is used to construct and simulate the anatomical components of our digital creatures and characters," Jacobs, a supervisor for creature special-effects told NBC. (Read the whole article right here.)

Reuters also has a story with details about the Weta Digital winners and others recognized Sunday night.

Congrats to those gentlemen and all of Weta Digital for its mastery of converting Andy Serkis' performance to screen. TheOneRing.net will celebrate the Oscars, including other nominees for work on The Hobbit, in two weeks featuring on stage Beecake with Billy Boyd. Details to buy tickets are right here.

Software brought Gollum's skin to life for "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," earning it an Oscar for technology and science

...the Technical Achievement Award does not count as a regular Oscar. So AUJ doesn't in fact have received any Oscars as of now; the ones who did are the gentlemen Simon Clutterbuck, James Jacobs and Richard Dorling of WETA. Russian LotR/Hobbit Site:

One of the things I noticed about Gollum in this film was how much better he looked, especially his skin! So, thank you guys for your innovations! "Age is always advancing and I'm fairly sure it's up to no good." Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher)

When is an oscar not an oscar? 'I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.' 'So do all who live to see such times but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.'